A briefing paper on the use of embodied energy in product policy. The paper looks at the basis for an indicator of the energy which is embodied in a product and how this could be used to reinforce circular economy practice.

EPR in the EU Plastics Strategy and the Circular Economy: a focus on plastic packaging

Published by IEEP, with the support of the MAVA Foundation, Zero Waste Europe and EEB, this reports highlights policy options aimed at enhancing the ambition of extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes for plastic packaging.

Food waste and plastic waste are two major economic, environmental and social challenges facing Europe. The report shows how a rise in plastic food packaging is failing to reduce Europe’s growing food waste problem, and in some cases may even be fueling it.

An ambitious set of taxes designed to influence both producer and consumer behaviour can help Europe curb plastic pollution by encouraging both plastic reduction and greater recycling. ZWE & the Rethink Plastic alliance make the case for taxing plastics.

As plastic waste has grown so has the industry surrounding it. A large amount of plastic waste is exported to countries in the Global South. Our report looks at the issues arising from the global waste trade.

Our latest report assesses the residual waste treatment capacity of fourteen countries at risk of missing the 2020 targets for reuse and recycling, and includes recommendations to develop their waste management system in line with a circular economy.